The Monticello Utility Commission met Thursday, November 7 in their regular monthly meeting.

System Manager Gene Jones brought before the commission suggested prices increases in water and sewer taps. A cost study was conducted two years ago to evaluate the price of taps to the customer; however, in the last six months, brass has increased in value by 20 percent. The actual cost of a water tap is now $499.52 for parts. A customer in the city currently pays $350, and a customer outside the city limits pays $450.

Jones suggested increasing the price in the city to $550 and $650 in the county. The price of a water tap has not changed since 2004. The Commission voted to bring the suggested fee increases to the City Council for approval.

The garbage collection division of the Utility Commission reports a loss in revenue each month. This month the loss was reported at approximately $900. To collect this, Jones suggested a $1 per month fee increase to every customer, residential and commercial. Residential customers currently pay $7 per month. The motion to bring the garbage fee increase before the City Council did not pass.

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Wayne County will join counties across the state contributing to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial that will be constructed in Frankfort.

During a meeting of the fiscal court on Thursday, November 14, magistrates agreed to donate $500 that will be used to purchase a paver at the memorial. The paver will include the message “The citizens of Wayne County support our Kentucky National Guard.”

County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin noted that each county in Kentucky is being asked to donate for a paver to be placed at the memorial.

The memorial will be built at the entrance of Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort. Fundraising for the project started in 2008, and organizers hope to have the memorial built by this time next year.

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Beautifully decorated homes during the holiday months lift the spirit and usher in the Christmas season.

The Wayne County Historical Society continues its holiday tradition with the 2013 Holiday Home Tour. Unique venues this year include a Lake Cumberland houseboat, the newly renovated First Christian Church, the historic Raccoon John Smith cabin, and traditional homes.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 8 with the tour beginning at 2 p.m. and ending at 5 p.m. Seasonal refreshments will be served at the First Christian Church.

This year’s holiday homes will include the houseboat of Ray and Betty Chesney at Conley Bottom Resort as well as the homes of Steven and Pam Fierros and Larry and Jenny West.

Tickets can be purchased for $10 Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elizabeth Furr Duncan Genealogical Library and the Wayne County Museum through December 7.

They can be purchased at any of the tour sites on December 8.